The ruddy shelduck is a bird species in the family Anatidae. It is a distinctive waterfowl, 58 to 70 cm in length with a wingspan of 110 to 135 cm. It has orange-brown body plumage with a paler head, while the tail and the flight feathers in the wings are black, contrasting with the white wing-coverts. It is a migratory bird, wintering in the Indian subcontinent and breeding in southeastern Europe and central Asia, though there are small resident populations in North Africa. It has a loud honking call.
Region
Eurasia and North Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds from southeastern Europe through Central Asia to western China and Mongolia, with small resident populations in North Africa. Winters mainly in the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and parts of East Asia. Prefers large open lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, including saline and brackish waters, often in open steppe or semi-desert. Frequently feeds in adjacent agricultural fields and grasslands. On the Tibetan Plateau it uses high-altitude lakes and surrounding open country.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 5000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The ruddy shelduck is a striking, orange-cinnamon waterfowl that often nests far from water in burrows, rocky crevices, or buildings. Males in breeding plumage show a thin black neck ring, while females have a paler head and a harsher call. Pairs are strongly bonded and can be quite territorial around nesting sites.
Tadorna ferruginea - MHNT
At Chilika Lake, Mangalajodi, Odisha, India
Ruddy shelduck at 4,250 m (13,940 ft), Chandra Taal, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
A ruddy shelduck flying over a lake
Illustration of adult
Ruddy Shelduck, Flagship species of Arjan International Wetland
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or family groups during breeding; forms larger flocks on migration and at wintering sites. Pairs are monogamous and strongly territorial, aggressively defending nest sites near water or in open country. Nests are often in cavities, burrows, rocky holes, or buildings, lined with down.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Loud, resonant honking is typical, carrying over long distances. Females give a harsh, brassy call, while males have a softer, wheezy note.
